I’m wondering if it’s possible to have composite veneers removed. At this point, I’m kind of on the fence about getting them. I really like the idea of making my smile more “Hollywood” and I have a career where my appearance matters quite a bit. I think this is something that will kick me up a notch and make me feel good about my teeth again. The thing is, I’m not really 100% sure I want veneers for life. I almost want to “test drive” them, to see if they look and feel good. It’s my understanding that they’re permanent, but I’d sure like the option of removing them later if I don’t care for them, or maybe going all in and having porcelain ones done at a later date if they work well. That would require removal as well, yes?

I’m a little afraid to pitch this to a dentist because I’m afraid if I tell him I might not keep them, that he’ll either be insulted or put less effort into them because I’m considering them as a temporary measure. So, my questions are: can they be removed later, and if so, how do I bring this up with a dentist?

Sincerely,

Alexis

Dear Alexis,

Whether or not they’re removable depends on how the dentist does the preparation and your particular case. In some situations, they can be done with little or no removal of tooth structure. If this is the case for you, then removing them later, either to go back to your natural teeth or to switch to porcelain won’t be a problem.

However, sometimes it is necessary to remove a bit of the enamel. If a significant amount is removed, then your teeth won’t look right without coverage, they could be sensitive, and they’d be more susceptible to decay.

It’s good that you’re addressing this before composite veneers are placed because the dentist who does the work may be able to work with this in mind. At the same time, you’ll really want to seek out the help of an experienced cosmetic dentist, as the additional training and experience he has will produce superior cosmetic results every time. It won’t matter if you plan to have them for a month or for years- he’ll make sure you leave with a gorgeous smile and will listen to your goals and wishes before presenting options.

I had composite veneers done about two months ago and I love the look of them. The dentist really did a great job with the shape and coloring. I honestly look 15 years younger now. I really wish I had done this sooner. To get to the point, though, the dentist specifically told me that I needed to be really vigilant about brushing and flossing afterward and I gave him my word that I would look after his beautiful work. I’m ashamed to say that I didn’t exactly follow through. I’m not a regular flosser and didn’t even try to floss until about a month after he did the composite veneers. I know, I am terrible. At any rate, it was then that I realized I couldn’t get the floss between most of my teeth and the ones that I could get the floss in, the floss would get stuck and shred on the way out. I have been fussing with them ever since and can’t seem to get it right. I’m too ashamed to call my dentist up and admit that I haven’t been flossing, but I could really use some tips on how I can do a better job. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Thalia

Dear Thalia,

The good news is that you’re somewhat off the hook here. The bad news is that your dentist made a mistake. While it’s wonderful that he met your expectations for the look of your composite veneers, he missed the mark when it comes to function.

The fact that you can’t get floss between your teeth is a problem. If you can’t get in there to clean, the spaces aren’t going to get cleaned, but that doesn’t mean that bacteria can’t get in there and turn into decay. Moreover, if the sides of your teeth are so rough that they’re shredding floss, that means that there are little ledges in there that can catch and hold even more debris. This is something he is going to have to fix, but at least it’s a fairly simple one. He should be able to go in and smooth them down just a bit, so you can floss easier. It won’t change the look of them, but it’ll make it easier for you to keep the spaces between your teeth clean.

Book an appointment with him at some point in the near future to have him check them out. In the meantime, you may have better luck with another technique. You can use regular floss with a floss threader to get started and then pull the floss straight out, rather than down, when you’re done. Oral B, and perhaps other brands, also make floss “tape.” It’s flat, rather than rounded, and may fit between your teeth a little better. Floss picks or a waterpik are other good options. The important thing is that you’re doing something to get in there and clean until you can get in and have the composite veneers adjusted.